A 22-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Keanu Dude, was arrested on charges of arson for allegedly starting the Watch Fire on July 10, which destroyed 2,000 acres of land on Native American reservation, prompting evacuations and leaving dozens of residents homeless. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. By July 18, the blaze was fully contained but had destroyed 21 homes and left 73 people without shelter. The tribe is now accepting donations to help rebuild the community.
In California, authorities are searching for suspects who ignited the Hawarden Fire with illegal fireworks, forcing over 1,500 residents from their homes, resulting in injuries and significant property damage. As of Thursday, the fire had scorched 527 acres and was 60% contained.
Across the West, over 1.4 million acres of land have been burned by more than 88 active wildfires, attributed to record-breaking temperatures and a stretch of extreme heat. Nearly 85% of wildfires in the US are caused by humans, with common factors being unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, equipment malfunctions, and arson. California Governor Gavin Newsom has noted a surge in acres burned due to unprecedented heat conditions.
Authorities are conducting a manhunt for the suspects responsible for starting the Hawarden Fire and are determined to prosecute those found guilty of arson. The devastating impact of wildfires on communities highlights the need for prevention measures and swift action to hold those responsible accountable.
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